Thiruvallikeni Parthasarathy Perumal Vishnu Temple

Parthasarathy Perumal is a Hindu Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Krishna, located at Triplicane. It was built in the 8th-century. The temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, and is classified as among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. The name Parthasarathy, in Sanskrit, means the charioteer of Arjuna, referring to Krishna's role as a charioteer to Arjuna in the epic Mahabaratha.

History

The temple was originally built by the Pallavas in the 8th century, subsequently expanded by Cholas and later by theVijayanagara kings in the 15th century. The temple has several inscriptions dating from the 8th century in Tamil and Telugu, from the period of Dantivarman, who was a Vishnu devotee. Thirumangai Alvar, the 9th century alvar also attributes the building of the temple to the Pallava king. From the internal references of the temple, it appears that the temple was restored during 1564 CE when new shrines were built. In later years, endowments of villages and gardens have enriched the temple.

Facts/Mythology

The temple is one of the oldest structures in Chennai. There are shrines for Vedavalli Thayar, Ranganatha, Rama, Gajendra Varadharaja Swamy, Narasimha, Andal, Anjaneya, Alvars, Ramanuja, Swami Manavala Mamunigal andVedanthachariar in this complex. The temple subscribes to Vaikhanasa agama and follows Thenkalai tradition. There are separate entrances for the Krishna and Narasimha temples.

Festivals/Events/Gatherings

The temple has grand brahmotsavams for Sri Parthasarathy Swami during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April-May), Udayavar Uthsavam is celebrated in the same month. In the month of Vaigasi, Sri Varadarajar Uthsavam, Sri Nammalwar Uthsavam (vaigasi-visagam) and Vasanthothsavam are celebrated. Sri Azhagiyasingar (Lord Narashimha) during the Tamil month of Aani (June-July). So the two Bhrammotsavams are performed here annually. There are also festivals for Sri Ramanuja (April-May) and Sri Manavalamamunigal (Oct-Nov) besides festivals for Alwar and Acharyas. Vaikunta Ekadesi and during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January) draws a lot of pilgrims.

Parthasarathy Perumal is a Hindu Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Krishna, located at Triplicane. It was built in the 8th-century. The temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, and is classified as among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. The name Parthasarathy, in Sanskrit, means the charioteer of Arjuna, referring to Krishna's role as a charioteer to Arjuna in the epic Mahabaratha.

History

The temple was originally built by the Pallavas in the 8th century, subsequently expanded by Cholas and later by theVijayanagara kings in the 15th century. The temple has several inscriptions dating from the 8th century in Tamil and Telugu, from the period of Dantivarman, who was a Vishnu devotee. Thirumangai Alvar, the 9th century alvar also attributes the building of the temple to the Pallava king. From the internal references of the temple, it appears that the temple was restored during 1564 CE when new shrines were built. In later years, endowments of villages and gardens have enriched the temple.

Importance/Significance

Facts/Mythology

The temple is one of the oldest structures in Chennai. There are shrines for Vedavalli Thayar, Ranganatha, Rama, Gajendra Varadharaja Swamy, Narasimha, Andal, Anjaneya, Alvars, Ramanuja, Swami Manavala Mamunigal andVedanthachariar in this complex. The temple subscribes to Vaikhanasa agama and follows Thenkalai tradition. There are separate entrances for the Krishna and Narasimha temples.

Festivals/Events/Gatherings

The temple has grand brahmotsavams for Sri Parthasarathy Swami during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April-May), Udayavar Uthsavam is celebrated in the same month. In the month of Vaigasi, Sri Varadarajar Uthsavam, Sri Nammalwar Uthsavam (vaigasi-visagam) and Vasanthothsavam are celebrated. Sri Azhagiyasingar (Lord Narashimha) during the Tamil month of Aani (June-July). So the two Bhrammotsavams are performed here annually. There are also festivals for Sri Ramanuja (April-May) and Sri Manavalamamunigal (Oct-Nov) besides festivals for Alwar and Acharyas. Vaikunta Ekadesi and during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January) draws a lot of pilgrims.